UOAA Discussion Board

I've had my Indiana Pouch since Aug 27, 2007. At this point I can only go 2 - 2.5 hours between emptying pouch and 4 hours at night (and I usually leak before the 4 hours is up). My problem is I tend to spring MAJOR leaks if I should go past the 2.5 hour mark -(during the day) even if I haven't had much to drink.

I've tried Poise pads, diapers and am currently using ABD pads. Does anyone out there have any other suggestions? I really would like something that would contain more urine. When I spring a leak - I SPRING A LEAK!!! LOL. There is no "slight" leak - it's all or nothing with me!

Also, I'm a little disappointed that after this much time I'm not able to go any longer between emptying the pouch. But, I know it could be worse.

Hi - I was also using ABD pads, but found that they weren't as effective as Always Overnight Maxi pads (super of maximum absorbency - which ever is the most). Not with wings!! I cut the pad in half and affix it over my stoma with tape running horizontally across the top and bottom. Then when I am ready to cath. I just flip the pad down. The pads seem to hold more than the ABD pads and for whatever reason I feel more secure w/ them.

(I have to say that I was somewhat chagrined to be using pads. I had to buy some yesterday, and this after giving my sister a huge gift bag of the many different types of left over sanitary pads I have used in the last year. Part of my surgery involved a radical hysterectomy.....I was so glad to get rid of the pads!! Ha! Here I am w/ them again!).

I am very new to this - I've only had my pouch for about 6 1/2 weeks (wow, it seems longer......). I, too, was having problems going longer than 2 1/2 hrs during the day, but it seems that I am slowly being able to get to 3 hours on a more regular basis. To get from the 2 hrs to the 3 hrs during the day I took it really slow, only increased it every 10 or 15 minutes for about a week.
Overall, it seems that it all depends on what I drink, how much, and sometimes what I'm doing (which, truth be told, isn't much just yet!!). Sometimes its less than 2.5 hrs -- but I try not to let it get to me too much if it is. Did you follow the catheterization schedule?
I gather from other posts that leaking can occur a lot the first year, and that it even happens periodically with people that have had their pouch for years.

Nights we are working on 4.5 hrs now. For what ever reason, I can make it the first 4 hours and have a pretty good size output (500 ccs). Sometimes though, I can't quite get through the 2nd four hours (and yet, one night last week I missed the alarm and went 7 hrs - go figure).

Just this morning I was wondering if it has anything to do w/ sleeping on my side (leakage) vs. my back.

Does anyone else notice an increase in leakage depending on the position in which they sleep?????

I have also seen some posts where people stop drinking at a certain time each night. I'm not doing that -- I drink up until bedtime.

Leaking is a real hassle, and it does worry me, esp. when I think about spending a lot of time out and about, or doing the things I used to do. I hope that the Maxi pads work for you.

Oh! I also just received a sample of pads from AMPatch (http://www.ampatch.com/). They list pads w/ different levels of absorbency. I haven't tried them yet, but the company is extremely willing to send samples - and if you mention leakage, they'll send you the absorbent ones.

Good Luck and hope this helps --
Luv2hike

Thanks, luv2hike. I had used pads in the beginning. I to had a radical hysterectomy and was soooo glad not to have to buy them anymore. My insurance pays for ABD pads and other medical supplies but won't touch the sanitary pads - even with a doctor's recommendation. OUCH. I will, however give the Always Overnight a try. It will be worth the cost if they work.

I hope you continue to do well and have great success.

I personally use gauze and tape and I also use AMPatches. If you call them they will talk to you and after evaluating your situation, send you the appropriate samples. It does take a long time to get to the point where you rarely leak. The first year is the roughest. Hang in there you two! Eve though I am 16 plus yrs. I still have leaks once in awhile. Judith

As Judith mentioned, the makers of AMPatch, Austin Medical, will send you free samples if you ask. The patches come in different sizes, shapes and absorbancies. Worth a try ...................

Hi - the folks at AM Patch are great - so willing to send samples!! I have tried one of the patches - right now I still need something w/ a good amount of absorbency. I have some of their little inserts too, but haven't tried those yet. I am hoping that ultimately, the AM Patches are what I'll use - the ABD pads are bulky!!

But, what about taking the AM Patches off? OUCH! And I still cath every 4 hrs.(or sooner, depending). I tried the skin prep. If that makes it better, wow, can't imagine what it feels like w/ out it. Plus, are they basically a one-time patch? I mean, you can't use them all day, can you?

Great forum!
luv2hike

Depending on how much more absorbancy you need, the inserts might be fine. A bit less costly, I use a cotton ball and it works the same.

No, they are not reusable. Some have different types of adhesives and might be easier on your skin. Your sample pack should have had a few different ones.

Hi, I'm new to this forum, just joined today. I have had my Indiana pouch since 1994. I had major leaks for the first couple of years, I mean it would gush out through the bandage and liquid would land on the floor. Had surgery to repair a defective valve and collagen injections around the valve several times. I still leak a little, just a slight constant drip, but worse if I have an infection. I use nursing pads, they are discreet, inexpensive, and don't irritate my stoma. AM Patches worked well, but hurt to remove every 4 hours and can get quite expensive. Maxi pads were too bulky and when I cut them in half the cottony stuff got all over. I've have very good luck with the nursing pads. Sheri